BUSINESSES SHOULD RESPECT AND MAKE EFFORTS TO PROTECT AND RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENT*
HUL recognizes climate change as a significant threat to both people and the planet, as well as a material risk to their business. To address this challenge, HUL has set ambitious climate targets and is committed to delivering impact faster through focused, urgent, and systemic actions. We are committed to reducing emissions within our operations by transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing Scope 3 emissions through materials transition.
Message from Our
Leadership
"At HUL, energy efficiency is integral to our operational excellence, underpinning our commitment to climate action as the cornerstone of our ESG strategy. By prioritising emissions reduction, waste management, and water conservation, we are driving sustainable growth and pioneering a resilient future for all. Our strategic initiatives and innovative partnerships ensure we lead the way in sustainability, creating long-term value for our stakeholders and contributing to a healthier planet.”
Yogesh Mishra Executive Director, Supply Chain
0%
Energy consumed from
renewable sources
Platinum-AWS Certification
Chhindwara HUL Factory
0%
Reduction in Scope 1 emissions from previous year
Zero
Scope 2 emissions (net)
*At HUL, we have a robust process to capture
environment data across
our manufacturing sites and
offices, which is the basis for the numbers reported in Principle 6
The Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) conversion rate used in intensity ratio calculations across
Principle 6 is 20.66 for FY2024-25 and same is updated for previous year
Essential Indicators
EI-1. Details of total energy consumption (in joules or multiples) and energy intensity, in the following format:
At HUL we have been continuously working towards reducing the environmental impact across our operations. Refer to our ‘Climate Action’ page to know more about our key initiatives: Link
| Parameter | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| From renewable sources | ||
| Total electricity consumption – Gigajoules (A)* | 12,25,671 | 11,86,957 |
| Total fuel consumption – Gigajoules (B) | 22,19,234 | 23,83,647 |
| Energy consumption through other sources – Gigajoules (C) | - | - |
| Total energy consumption – Gigajoules (A+B+C) | 34,44,905 | 35,70,604 |
| From non-renewable sources | ||
| Total electricity consumption (D) | - | - |
| Total fuel consumption (E) | 1,02,998 | 1,54,980 |
| Energy consumption through other sources (F) | 4,131 | 1,019 |
| Total energy consumed from non-renewable sources (D+E+F) | 1,07,129 | 1,55,999 |
| Total energy consumed (A+B+C+D+E+F) | 35,52,034 | 37,26,603 |
| Energy intensity per rupee of turnover (Total energy consumed/revenue from operations) | 57.7 GJ/crore | 61.7 GJ/crore |
| Energy intensity per rupee of turnover adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) (Total energy consumed/revenue from operations adjusted for PPP) | 1,193 GJ / $crore | 1,276 GJ / $crore |
| Energy intensity in terms of physical output | 1.10 GJ/tonne | 1.19 GJ/tonne |
*Sources of renewable electricity include solar energy, wind energy and offsets though International Renewable Energy Certificates (IREC) purchased for grid electricity
8%
Reduction in energy intensity per tonne vs previous year
EI-1. Indicate if any independent
assessment/evaluation/assurance has
been carried out by an external agency
(yes/no)? If yes, name of the external
agency.
Yes, reasonable assurance has been conducted by M/s B S
R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants.
EI-2. Does the entity have any sites/facilities identified as designated consumers (DCs) under the Performance, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme of the Government of India (yes/no)? If yes, disclose whether targets set under the PAT scheme have been achieved. In case targets have not been achieved, provide the remedial action taken, if any
Not applicable, as we are not an energy-intensive industry as outlined under the Performance, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme of the Government of India.
EI-3. Provide details of the following disclosures related to water, in the following format:
We are addressing water
scarcity through conservation,
restoration, recharge, and reuse of water. In this pursuit,
at the community level, we have implemented Water
Stewardship Projects across 15 water-stressed locations
(as per ground water resources and the World Resources
Institute) in India. At our manufacturing sites, we have
reduced our water usage by 50% compared to the 2008
baseline. This achievement is due to our focus on reducing
abstraction, implementing rainwater harvesting, and
maximising the use of RO plants. This has helped us
in increased efficiencies, risk reduction, and stronger stakeholder relationships.
We have also embarked on a
journey to align our Water Stewardship Programme to
the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) standard. AWS
is a global membership bringing together businesses,
NGOs, and the public sector. In the International Water
Stewardship Standard, members uphold local water-resource
sustainability through their adoption and
promotion of a universal framework, this standardizes
good water stewardship practices, driving recognition
and rewarding performance. The Chhindwara HUL Factory
has achieved Platinum-level AWS Certification in FY 24-25.
We set up the Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) in
2010 to support and amplify scalable solutions that can
help address India’s water challenges - specifically for
rural communities that intersect with agriculture. HUF
established its ‘Water for Public Good’ programme, which
is anchored in the belief that water is a common good and
must be governed by citizen communities. The aim was to
catalyse effective solutions to India’s water challenges
involving the government, communities, experts, and
mission-based organisations. HUF’s programmes have
reached over 15,500 villages since inception and have
enabled creation of a cumulative and collective water
potential of over 3.9 trillion litres* since its inception. To
underscore the importance of the water potential created
by HUF, 3.9 trillion litres of water is the quantity required
to meet the drinking water needs of India’s population for
nearly two years. HUF also supports several knowledge
initiatives in water conservation and governance.
We also have project Prabhat, our sustainable community
initiative that has been implementing water conservation
projects in water-stressed sites across the country. We
constructed water conservation structures, such as check
dams, farm ponds, farm bunds, and water absorption
trenches in programme villages to enhance access
to water. The programme also supports agricultural
communities with water conservation solutions to help
them achieve better water efficiency.
| Parameter | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Water withdrawal by source (in kilolitres) | ||
| (i) Surface water | 200 | - |
| (ii) Groundwater | 20,24,990 | 21,63,447 |
| (iii) Third party water | 8,11,232 | 8,14,723 |
| (iv) Seawater/desalinated water | - | - |
| (v) Others (Rain water) | 71,299 | 52,486 |
| Total volume of water withdrawal (in kilolitres) (i + ii + iii + iv + v) | 29,07,721 | 30,30,656 |
| Total volume of water consumption (in kilolitres) | 28,77,728 | 29,69,699 |
| Water intensity per rupee of turnover (Water consumed/turnover in rupees) | 46.8 KL / crore | 49.2 KL / crore |
| Water intensity per rupee of turnover adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) (Total water consumption/revenue from operations adjusted for PPP) | 966 KL / $crore | 1,017 KL / $crore |
| Water intensity in terms of physical output | 0.89 KL / tonne | 0.95 KL / tonne |
*Assured by an independent external firm
EI-3. Indicate if any independent assessment/evaluation/assurance has been carried out by an external agency (yes/no)? If yes, name of the external agency
Yes, reasonable assurance has been conducted by M/s B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants.
EI-4. Provide the following details related to water discharged:
| Parameter | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Water discharge by destination and level of treatment (in kilolitres)* | ||
| (i) To surface water | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| (ii) To groundwater | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| (iii) To seawater | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| (iv) Sent to third-parties | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment (secondary treatment) | 29,993 | 60,957 |
| (v) Others | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| Total water discharged (in kilolitres) | 29,993 | 60,957 |
Wastewater is treated in
the Company’s own effluent treatment plants through secondary treatment and then
discharged in line with consent
requirements of the Pollution Control Board
*Water discharge has been
reported for owned manufacturing sites
EI-4. Indicate if
any independent assessment/evaluation/assurance has been carried out
by an external agency (yes/no)? If yes, name of the external agency
Yes, reasonable assurance has been conducted by M/s B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered
Accountants.
EI- 5. Has the entity implemented a mechanism for Zero Liquid Discharge? If yes, provide details of its coverage and implementation.
We focus on maximising recycling and reusing treated wastewater on-site, effectively reducing the need for freshwater intake. As of 31st March, 2025, 25 out of 27 of our factories are Zero Liquid Discharge, i.e. they recycle and reuse 100% of their wastewater within the site. Such recycled water is used in cooling towers, as a boiler feed, in fire tanks, external area cleaning, toilet flushing, and gardening. The remaining two factories discharge water in common effluent treatment plants (CETP)/municipal drainages as per the consent to operate conditions issued by the Pollution Control Board.
EI- 6. Please provide details of air emissions (other than GHG emissions) by the entity, in the following format:
| Parameter* | Please specify unit | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOx | MT | 278 | 312 |
| SOx | MT | 132 | 161 |
| Particulate matter (PM) | MT or mg/Nm3 | 278 MT | 51 mg/Nm3 |
| Persistent organic pollutants (POP) | MT | - | NA |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOC) | MT | 574 | NA |
| Hazardous air pollutants (HAP) | MT | - | NA |
*POP, VOC & HAP were not
included in the Factory’s Consent to Operate issued by the pollution control board
and therefore not applicable for FY 2023-24
Pollutants are calculated using the IPCC/EMEP/EEA Guidebook 2023 factors for NOx,
SOx, PM, and VOC. HAP & POP have been updated to zero based
on emission test reports for FY 2024-25
EI- 6. Indicate if
any independent assessment/evaluation/assurance has been carried
out by an external agency (yes/no)? If yes, name of the external
agency.
Yes, an independent assurance has been conducted by M/s B S
R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants.
EI-7. Provide details of greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions) & its intensity, in the following format:
To reduce our carbon footprint, we are investing in new technologies, switching to renewable sources, and innovating to transform our factory operations. Refer to our Link
| Parameter | Unit | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Scope 1 emissions | tCO2e | 8,944 | 14,622 |
| Total Scope 2 emissions | tCO2e |
Gross: 2,23,923 Net: 0** |
Gross: 2,20,234 Net: 96** |
| Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions | tCO2e | 8,944 | 14,718 |
| Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions per rupee of turnover | tCO2e/`crore | 0.15 | 0.24 |
| Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission intensity per rupee of turnover adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) | tCO2e/$ crore | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission intensity in terms of physical output | tCO2e/tonne | 0.003 | 0.005 |
* We report our
emissions with reference to the latest Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate
Accounting and Reporting Standard (GHG Protocol). Energy
conversion and emission factors are used as per the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC)
**The above numbers are after deducting the International Renewable Energy
Certificates (IREC) purchased for grid electricity
EI-7. Indicate
if any independent assessment/evaluation/assurance has been carried out
by an external agency (yes/no)? If yes, name of the external
agency
Yes, reasonable assurance has been conducted by M/s B S R
& Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants.
EI-8. Does the entity have any project related to reducing Green House Gas emission? If yes, then provide details
We are committed to using energy from renewable sources and at the same time reduce our energy consumption to support our goal of achieving zero emissions in our own operations.
-
Transition to Renewable Energy: We have started purchasing renewable energy through onsite solar power plants and invested in offsite windmills to reduce our reliance on grid power. Additionally, we have invested in a group captive solar power plant with a 45MW capacity, in partnership with Brookfield, to meet the daytime energy requirements of all our factories in India.
-
Substitution of Fossil Fuels: We have eliminated coal from our operations and replaced it with green fuels. Biomass has been introduced instead of coal, and biofuel is used instead of furnace oil and high-speed diesel (HSD). As of March 2025, 97% of our energy (both electrical and thermal) comes from renewable sources. All our electricity is sourced from renewable energy, including solar, wind, and IREC green certification. Additionally, 14 out of our 27 sites now meet Unilever’s internal criteria for RE100.
-
Energy Efficiency: We have implemented various energy-saving projects, such as heat pumps, magnetic chillers, energy-efficient motors, variable voltage and frequency drives (VVFD), thermic fluid heaters, and energy-efficient air handling units (AHUs) to reduce overall energy consumption in our factories. We have significantly reduced our per tonne GHG emissions and energy consumption by 49% in FY 2024-25 compared to the 2008 baseline.
Our Climate Transition Action Plan outlines our strategy to achieve near-term value chain emission reduction targets, focusing on following priority action areas: Supplier Climate Programme, product reformulation, forest-risk commodities, regenerative agriculture, chemical ingredients, packaging and logistics.
EI-9. Provide details related to waste management by the entity, in the following format:
We have spent many years reducing waste and recycling in our operations and we continue to look for innovative ways to eliminate and extract value from our waste streams. We continue to maintain our standard to send zero non-hazardous waste to landfill from our factories.
| Parameter | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Total waste generated (in metric tonnes) | ||
| Plastic waste (A) | 12,531 | 12,105 |
| E-waste (B) | 51 | 62 |
| Bio-medical waste (C) | 14 | 12 |
| Construction and demolition waste (D) | 4,013 | 7,800 |
| Battery waste (E) | 26 | 53 |
| Radioactive waste (F) | - | - |
| Other Hazardous waste (G)* | 638 | 437 |
| Other Non-hazardous waste generated (H) | 73,704 | 82,653 |
| Total (A + B + C + D + E + F + G + H) | 90,977 | 1,03,122 |
| Waste intensity per rupee of turnover (Total waste generated/Revenue from operations) | 1.5 MT/crore | 1.7 MT/crore |
| Waste intensity per rupee of turnover adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) | 30.6 MT / $crore | 35.3 MT / $crore |
| Waste intensity in terms of physical output | 0.03 MT/tonne | 0.03 MT/tonne |
| For each category of waste generated, total waste recovered through recycling-using or other recovery operations (in metric tonnes) | ||
| Category of waste | ||
| (i) Recycled | 53,338 | 59,566 |
| (ii) Re-used | 35,269 | 43,023 |
| (iii) Other recovery operations** | 1,871 | 181 |
| Total | 90,478 | 1,02,770 |
| For each category of waste generated, total waste disposed by nature of disposal method (in metric tonnes) | ||
| Category of waste | ||
| (i) Incineration | 186 | 219 |
| (ii) Landfilling | 313 | 133 |
| (iii) Other disposal operations | - | - |
| Total | 499 | 352 |
*The hazardous waste has
increased due to waste reject from Multi effect evaporators (Drum Dryer) to achieve
Zero Liquid Discharge
** Hazardous waste is disposed of through Pollution
Control Board authorised/licensed vendors in line with Consent to Operate condition.
The increase in Category “Other recovery operations” for FY 2024-25 compared to the
previous year is due to a change in the categorization of
recycled/recovered waste
EI-9. Indicate if
any independent assessment/evaluation/assurance has been carried out
by an external agency (yes/no)? If yes, name of the external
agency.
Yes, reasonable assurance has been conducted by M/s B S R &
Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants.
EI-10. Briefly describe the waste management practices adopted in your establishments. Describe the strategy adopted by your company to reduce usage of hazardous and toxic chemicals in your products and processes and the practices adopted to manage such wastes.
Our zero-waste mindset
means we view waste materials as valuable resources. When we cannot reduce waste, we
seek ways to reuse or recycle it. In the absence of recycling infrastructure, we
recover energy from waste to ensure the
best routes for our waste flows, thereby strengthening our circular economy
approach, improving factory operations,
and reducing our environmental impact. All our factories are equipped with
pre-processing facilities, such as waste
segregation and source reduction, to enhance recyclability.
We are continually developing new methods to eliminate the use of hazardous
chemicals in cleaning and disinfection
processes by upgrading our hardware with the latest technologies. We have
successfully achieved zero non-hazardous
waste to landfill status across all our factories by maximising the reuse and
recycling of non-hazardous waste in
environmentally friendly ways. This includes reusing jumbo bags, cardboard cartons,
and process waste like soap;
repurposing sludge waste as boiler fuel; upcycling plastic; and using food waste for
animal feed. For hazardous waste, we
comply with the ‘Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement)
Rules, 2016’ and adhere to
the conditions set by the State Pollution Control Board’s ‘Authorization’.
Additionally, our R&D teams are improving material selection and product design to
reduce waste at the source. We
also use recycled materials in our packaging and collect and safely dispose of more
plastic waste than we sell, in line
with our Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). As a result, the total waste
generated from our factories in FY 2024-25
has decreased by 62% (per tonne of production) compared to the 2008 baseline and
Hazardous has decreased by 79%
(per tonne of production) compared to the 2008 baseline).
EI-11. If the entity has operations/offices in/around ecologically sensitive areas (such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, wetlands, biodiversity hotspots, forests, and coastal regulation zones) where environmental approvals/clearances are required, please specify details in the following format:
| S. No. | Location of operations/offices | Type of operations | Whether the conditions of environmental approval/clearance are being complied with? (Y/N) If no, the reasons thereof and corrective action taken, if any. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dapada* | Manufacturing | Yes |
*Notified as an ecologically sensitive area by Dadra & Nagar Haveli Planning and Development Authority in November 2023
EI-12. Details of environmental impact assessments of projects undertaken by the entity based on applicable laws, in the current financial year:
| S. No. | Name and brief details of project | EIA Notification No. | Date | Whether conducted by independent external agency (yes/no) | Results communicated in public domain (yes/no) | Relevant web link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proposed Establishment of “Magnum” Ice Cream Plant in the Existing HUL Nashik Factory | Voluntary: S.O. 1533- under sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986- September 14, 2006 | July 8, 2024 | Yes (Life First Solutions) | Yes | Link |
| 2 | Automated Storage and retrieval system project at Silvassa Detergents factory | December 31, 2024 | Yes (M/s. ASERIES ENVIROTEK INDIA PVT. LTD.) | Yes | Link |
EI-13. Is the entity compliant with the applicable environmental law/regulations/ guidelines in India, such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Environment protection act and rules thereunder (yes/no)? If not, provide details of all such non-compliances, in the following format:
Yes, the Company’s operations and offices comply with the country’s applicable environmental laws and regulations and operate as per Consent to Operate conditions from the Central and State Pollution Control Boards. Our dedicated, trained, and qualified Environment, Health, and Safety representative at each site coordinates the overall implementation of the site environmental management system. This includes the environmental performance of individual activities, coordinating environmental matters within the organisation, advising line management in environmental matters, and contacting regulatory authorities and residents.
| S. No. | Specify the law/regulation/guidelines which was not complied with | Provide details of the non-compliance | Any fines/penalties/action taken by regulatory agencies such as pollution control boards or by courts | Corrective action taken if any |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | None | |||
LEADERSHIP INDICATORS
LI-1. Water withdrawal, consumption, and discharge in areas of water stress (in kilolitres):
(i) Name of the
area:
As per the Central Ground Water
Authority, the
below
locations
are in water-stressed areas: Chhindwara, Nabha,
Rajpura, Sonipat, Pondicherry, Amli, Dapada, and Nashik.
(ii) Nature of
operations: Manufacturing
(iii) Water withdrawal, consumption, and discharge in the following
format:
| Parameter | FY 2024-25 | FY 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Water withdrawal by source (in kilolitres) | ||
| (i) Surface water | 200 | - |
| (ii) Groundwater | 10,07,973 | 10,63,781 |
| (iii) Third party water | 2,94,769 | 2,76,529 |
| (iv) Seawater/desalinated water | - | - |
| (v) Others (Rain water) | 29,374 | 22,878 |
| Total volume of water withdrawal (in kilolitres) | 13,32,316 | 13,63,188 |
| Total volume of water consumption (in kilolitres) | 13,32,316 | 13,63,188 |
| Water intensity per rupee of turnover (Water consumed/turnover in rupees) | 21.7 KL/` crore | 22.6 KL/` crore |
| Water discharge by destination and level of treatment (in kilolitres) | ||
| (i) Into surface water | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| (ii) Into Groundwater | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| (iii) Into Seawater | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| (iv) Sent to third-parties | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment (Secondary treatment) | - | - |
| (v) Other | ||
| - No treatment | - | - |
| - With treatment | - | - |
| Total water discharged (in kilolitres) | - | - |
LI-1. Indicate if
any independent assessment/evaluation/assurance has been carried out
by an external agency (yes/no) If yes, name of the external
agency.
Yes, an independent assurance has been conducted by M/s B S
R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants.
LI-2. Please provide details of total Scope 3 emissions & its intensity, in the following format:
Measuring GHG emissions is a significant challenge and relies on many estimates and on information from third parties. We have estimated our Scope 3 emissions across each of the 15 GHG Protocol Scope 3 emission categories relevant to our business. We measure our most material emissions from procured goods and services, using data on real volumes of procured raw materials/packaging and services combined with standard emissions factors for these materials, applying the latest guidance on the use of emissions factors (IPCC AR6) and the draft GHG Protocol Land Sector guidance. Under the GHG Protocol, indirect consumer use-phase emissions are an optional part of a company’s Scope 3 emissions. Our GHG emissions in scope of our Net Zero by 2039 ambition do not include these optional indirect emissions sources.
| Parameter | Unit | Jan’24 – Dec ‘24* | Oct’22-Sep’23* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Scope 3 emissions in scope of Net zero ambition | Metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent | 99,62,535 | 87,19,253 |
| Total Scope 3 emissions per rupee of turnover | 1,13,37,855 | 95,82,781 | |
| Total Scope 3 emissions per rupee of turnover | tCO2/` crore | 184.3 | 158.8 |
*The period of Scope 3 emissions is from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 for this year and October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023 for previous year
LI-2. Indicate if
any independent assessment/evaluation/assurance has been carried out
by an external agency (yes/no) If yes, name of the external
agency.
No
LI-3. With respect to the ecologically sensitive areas reported at Question 11 of essential indicators above, provide details of significant direct & indirect impact of the entity on biodiversity in such areas along-with prevention and remediation activities.
We have duly complied with the conditions laid down by the Dadra & Nagar Haveli Planning and Development Authority. During FY 2024-25, there was no significant impact on biodiversity due to our manufacturing operations.
LI-4. If the entity has undertaken any specific initiatives or used innovative technology or solutions to improve resource efficiency, or reduce impact due to emissions/effluent discharge/waste generated, please provide details of the same as well as outcome of such initiatives, as per the following format:
| S. No. | Initiative undertaken | Details of the initiative (web-link, if any, may be provided along-with summary) | Outcome of the initiative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water stewardship |
Active water stewardship programs are ongoing in all our
factories. Through this, we are not only reducing water
consumption but are also enhancing the resilience to water-related
challenges. To cite a few examples, at our Doom Dooma
factory, through rooftop rainwater harvesting and modular
filtering systems, we capture nearly 100% of rainfall for highquality
water reuse in production. With over 65,963 KL collected
and reused in four years, borewell extractions have decreased
significantly. In HUL’s Chhindwara factory, we have installed
a 15,000KL rainwater storage pond and five harvesting pits
within the factory premises. These significantly reduce reliance
on external water sources, whereas off-site efforts include
the construction of stop dams and recharge structures to
reduce groundwater consumption and promote community
engagement. Further, some of our technology and digital
interventions within the factory include the following:-
We set up the Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) in 2010 to support and amplify scalable solutions that can help address India’s water challenges - specifically for rural communities that intersect with agriculture. HUF established its ‘Water for Public Good’ programme that is anchored in the belief that water is a common good and must be governed by citizen communities. The aim was to catalyse effective solutions to India’s water challenges involving the government, communities, experts, and mission-based organisations. HUF’s programmes have reached over 15,500 villages since inception. HUF also supports several knowledge initiatives in water conservation and governance. We also have project Prabhat– our sustainable community initiative that has been implementing water conservation projects in water-stressed sites across the country, focusing on ensuring water security. Water conservation structures, such as check dams, farm ponds, farm bunds, water absorption trenches were constructed in programme villages to enhance access to water. The programme also supports agricultural communities with water conservation solutions helping in achieving better water efficiency. We have implemented Water Stewardship Projects outside the factory boundaries across 15 water-stressed locations in India, as identified by groundwater resources and the World Resources Institute (WRI). Please refer Link for more details. |
Our own manufacturing operations
have witnessed a 50% reduction in
water usage (cubic meter per tonne of
production) in FY 2024-25 as compared
to the 2008 baseline. We were able to
achieve this by focusing on reducing
freshwater abstraction, implementing
captive rainwater harvesting, and
maximising the use of RO plants. The
benefits include increased efficiencies,
reduced risks, strengthening
stakeholder relationships and building
community trust. HUL has been honored
with several prestigious external
recognitions, including:
HUF along with its partners has enabled creation of cumulative and collective water potential of over 3.9 trillion litres*. To underscore the importance of the water potential created by HUF, 3.9 trillion litres of water can meet the drinking water needs of India’s population for nearly two years. |
| 2 | Emissions |
We are committed to taking steps to collectively and positively
address climate change.
We have started purchasing renewable energy through onsite solar power plants and invested in offsite windmills to reduce our reliance on grid power. Additionally, we have invested in a group captive solar power plant with a 45MW capacity, in partnership with Brookfield, to meet the daytime energy requirements of all our factories in India. All our electricity is sourced from renewable energy, including solar, wind, and IREC green certification. We have eliminated coal from our operations and replaced it with green fuels. Biomass has been introduced instead of coal, and biofuel is used instead of furnace oil and high-speed diesel (HSD). Additionally, 14 out of our 27 sites now meet Unilever’s internal criteria for RE100. We have implemented various energy-saving projects, such as heat pumps, magnetic chillers, energy-efficient motors, variable voltage and frequency drives (VVFD), thermic fluid heaters, and energy-efficient air handling units (AHUs), to reduce overall energy consumption in our factories We have implemented Digital Energy Management System (EMS) and Boiler Hub insights to optimize energy consumption and improve boiler efficiency through advanced digital solutions. Please refer Link for more details |
As on March 2025, the renewable
energy percentage (for both Electrical
and Thermal combined) is 97% for our
own manufacturing sites. We have significantly reduced our per tonne GHG emission by 99% and energy consumption by 49% in our own manufacturing operations in FY 2024-25 compared to 2008 baseline. Additionally, HUL has been honored with several prestigious external recognitions, including:
|
| 3 | Waste |
Our factories have identified innovative ways to reuse various
non-hazardous waste streams and maintain the status of
zero non-hazardous waste to landfills in factories and offices
across the Company. This was done by maximising the reuse
and recycling of all non-hazardous waste in environmentally
friendly ways. We have also taken the initiative to eliminate food waste by commissioning a dewatering screw press and sludge drying beds on-site for dewatering and drying of sludge with an intent to use it as a boiler fuel. Please refer Link for more details |
The total waste generated from
the factories was 62% (per tonne
of production) lower in our own
manufactur ing operat ions in
FY 2024-25 than the 2008 baseline. All our factories are equipped with pre-processing facilities, such as waste separation and waste reduction at the source, thus improving recyclability. Additionally, HUL has been honored with several prestigious external recognitions, including Greentech PCWR Award for Pollution Control and waste management by Green Tech Energy |
*Assured by an external independent firm
LI-5. Does the entity have a business continuity and disaster management plan? Give details in 100 words/web link.
We have a standardised
procedure to maintain business
continuity and ensure robust and effective management
of incidents. It is based on the principles of prevention,
preparedness, response, and recovery. We follow a riskbased
approach to identify credible business risks and
review the management plan regularly to ensure that it is
up-to-date and effective.
We incorporate advanced cyber considerations into
our existing Business Continuity Plan to strengthen
resilience against cyber threats. This includes
conducting regular cybersecurity risk assessments,
developing comprehensive incident response plans,
enhancing network security, and providing ongoing
employee training.
In addition, to safeguard our data and IT systems, we
have a Data Recovery Capability Standard for designing,
operating and managing any device or technology
solution that stores or processes our data. The purpose
of this standard is to specify controls to ensure that our
data, applications, and systems can be recovered to meet
business operational requirements following a disruptive
cyber incident.
LI-6. Disclose any significant adverse impact on the environment, arising from the value chain of the entity. What mitigation or adaptation measures have been taken by the entity in this regard?
We have set sustainability
targets, serving as our
strategy to deliver consistent, competitive, profitable,
and responsible growth. We have set an ambitious
sustainability agenda to tackle the issues that our
consumers and stakeholders care deeply about. The
details of our mitigation measures can be reviewed on the
following websites: Link and Link
Our plan to progress towards our near-term value chain
emission reduction targets has following priority action
areas which include Supplier Climate Programme,
reformulating products, forest-risk commodities,
regenerative agriculture, chemical ingredients,
packaging and logistics.
LI-7. Percentage of value chain partners (by value of business done with such partners) that were assessed for environmental impacts.
We conduct periodic risk
assessments of our suppliers
using country risk and commodity risk data from external
third-party risk data providers. As of March 31, 2025,
94.3% of the suppliers (by value of business done) have
undergone risk assessment and are compliant.
Our RPP and its Fundamental Principles embody
our commitment to responsible, transparent, and
sustainable business. Each fundamental principle of
the RPP provides guidance on what we expect from
responsible and sustainable business partners. We are
committed to working with our suppliers on this journey of
continuous improvement.
We also verify alignment to and implementation of
the RPP’s mandatory requirements using supplier
self-declarations, online assessments and independent
verification, including third-party audits which are
performed for designated high-risk countries and
supplier types.
LI-8. How many Green Credits have been generated?
- By the listed entity: In FY 2024-25, HUL through its CSR programs under Regenerative Agriculture goal, has started a Verified emission reduction (VER) program. HUL has been doing impactful work through our existing agricultural linked programmes, which ensured significant increase in crop production owing to resilient regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices, leading to increased net income for farmers. VER programme will go one step further and HUL will map and record the carbon footprint reduction through improved agricultural practices clubbed with agro forestry.
- By the top ten (in terms of value of purchases and sales, respectively) value chain partners: Not available.